J-Lo's hot, but the hottest? Here are a list of gals who we think give J-Lo a run for her money.
By K Maine — Written on Apr 14, 2011
First, let's get a simple fact straight. No one here is contesting the beauty of Jennifer Lopez. Because, let's be real, her beauty is not something that can be debated. Your type or not, she's definitely gifted in the gene pool. All we're saying is that we're just not certain she should be People's Most Beautiful Person of 2011. We mean, she didn't really do a lot, did she? (And being just a judge on American Idol doesn't count as doing something. At least not in the sense we mean it.)
Let's be frank, in 2011 being beautiful means much more than just having good genes and a good make-up/hair stylist. Being beautiful also means wearing your beauty humbly and, in Hollywood, it means sharing the good fortunes your beauty has bequeathed you by doing things for others. This of course takes many forms, and one may argue J-Lo on American Idol is "good" for them. But we like to think a little bigger. So while J-Lo is one hot Momma, so are these other women, and we think they're also doing a lot of interesting things with their beauty.
Beyoncé: Like J-Lo, Beyoncé has got it going on in the bootylicious department. Beyoncé, 29, has been seen as a sexy lady for her entire career, despite the fact that she doesn't fit the typical "Skinny Minny" body shape that permeates Hollywood. Embracing your body for what it is and flaunting your figure with sexy clothes and some salacious moves on the stage is definitely a beautiful thing. Beyoncé and her hubby, Jay-Z, are also big time rich, and big time supporters of many charities and foundations, which is also a very beautiful thing.
Ellie Kemper: As one of the newer members of the beloved American The Office, Ellie, 30, had some large expectations to live up to. But now, two seasons into the show, she's easily one of the most lovable (and funny!) characters in the cast. Ellie has fiery red hair and an adorable face with a button nose that make us believe she's just as sweet in real life as her The Office character, Erin. About her The Office cast mates Ellie said, "Being on set with them is like being in a dream, except the dream is real and I can reach out and touch them. Except I am trying not to touch them too much, because I was raised right." We think humor is one of the most attractive qualities a lady can have.
Rashida Jones: Another lady who was also on the The Office, Rashida (the child of Peggy Lipton—the bombshell blonde from the Mob Squad—and music industry mogul Quincy Jones) now stars opposite Amy Poehler (another super funny awesome lady) in Parks & Recreation, which is one of the first primetime network television shows to feature women as its two main characters! (Bravo, NBC!) And, it's hilarious and successful, thanks in part to Rashida's natural comic timing and hilarious mannerisms. Rashida, 35, was obviously very blessed in the gene pool—Peggy Lipton is still a total babe, by the way—but what we love about her is how she isn't reliant on her looks to be successful or popular. It's clear Rashida would rather get ahead for her comedienne skills, and she's kicking ass.
Adele: Adele, a.k.a. Adele Laurie Blue Adkins, 22, is one of the most talented young voices on the vocal pop scene today. With the tops of music charts mostly being dominated by singers who somehow seem to have absolutely no true vocal talent, it's oh so refreshing to hear someone in the mix who's got that deep mellifluous vibrato. Adele is English and her debut album, which she released at the young age of 19, went triple platinum in the UK, and her second album (which dropped just earlier this year) went number 1 in the US, as well as in 17 other European countries. Adele lyrics are mature (unbelievably mature given her age) emotional reflections on love and loss, and are often accompanied by a powerful beat and her trademark soulful voice—a combination that transforms each one of her songs into remarkable ballads. If you haven't listened to her yet, do yourself a favor.
Emily Blunt: Another English lady, Emily Blunt, at 28, has accomplished quite a bit so far in her acting career. From Blockbuster hits (her newest is The Adjustment Bureau) to Indie films, Emily has established herself as a prominent and self-possessed performer. One of her most memorable American roles is likely from The Devil Wears Prada, where she played the head-strong, but ultimately emotionally fragile, right-hand assistant to "the devil". Emily's got lovely skin, gorgeous long brown hair, and an English accent that makes us weak at the knees. We totally see what husband John Krasinski (Jim from The Office) fell for. John Krasinski Proposes To Emily Blunt
Amanda Seyfried: Even at the young age of 25, Amanda has proven that not only can she act, but she can play any part—she can do the dumb blonde (Mean Girls), the bright, open-minded, and rebellious daughter (Big Love), and the young girl in love (Dear John). From her resume alone, we can surmise that Amanda is not going to turn out to be another Jennifer Aniston/Katherine Heigl type (constantly cast as the pining lady in RomComs), but a more mature, serious type of actress, like Meryl and Jodie before her. And, both on screen and off, she also happens to be quite the head-turner. Amanda has dated Emile Hirsch, Alexander Skarsgård, and is currently rumored to be dating heartthrob Ryan Phillippe. Amanda Seyfried And Ryan Phillippe Are Still Hot And Heavy
Jennifer Hudson: Every once in a while American Idol produces a contestant that actually has real, raw talent. And in 2004, this person was Jennifer Hudson (now 29), who, we might add, didn't even place in the top 6 contestants! (She was voted off and ended up finishing in 7th place.) A year after Idol, she was cast in the upcoming Blockbuster Dream Girls, which showed the world that not only was this woman a truly gifted singer, but she was also an amazing actress. Hudson later won an Oscar for her role in Dream Girls. And she recently admitted on Oprah that she'd lost a total of 80 pounds in the past year. She obviously looks totally gorgeous now, but, we gotta say: she was workin' it before too! 5 Reasons Having Sex Is Better Than Being Skinny
Cate Blanchett: Cate is on par with the old actresses of Hollywood—Grace Kelly or Audrey Hepburn. Her flawless poise and charm are more reminiscent of the Hollywood days of yore, when class and eloquence saturated its every aspect. She's arguably one of the greatest actresses of all time, and has had the film career to prove it. She's worked with everyone who's anyone—Scorsese, Spielberg, Leo DiCaprio, Judi Dench, Brad Pitt. And beyond talent, she's got a natural beauty that simply radiates around her, which she carries humbly and with class. In today's Hollywood, which seems to be more focused on playing up scandal and mischief, rather than achievement and success, Cate, at 41, is a paragon of elegance—a very organic kind of beauty that doesn't end with her appearance. Not only is she gorgeous, she's also a pillar of good manners and maturity.
Zooey Deschanel: Zooey D is one beautiful lady, and she's also incredibly versatile! Not only does she have amazingly big eyes and an adorable bohemian chic style, but she's multi-talented to boot! She's a lovely actress (remember her role in Almost Famous?), she has an amazing singing voice (she's in a band called She & Him), and she's also a very prolific song writer! Quite the creative cat. Zooey is 31, and has been married to Ben Gibbard (lead singer of The Postal Service) since 2009. Zooey Deschanel's Wedding Details
Charlize Theron: It's been awhile since this happened, but we absolutely love a woman who's so completely dedicated to her work that she's willing to transform herself from the natural beauty she is and into a serial killer who, let's face it, really didn't spend much time washing her face or brushing her hair. Charlize Theron, 35, is another Hollywood lady who's sexy as all hell, but unlike being just another pretty face on the screen, she also has the acting chops to back herself up. And what makes us love her even more, is her consistent involvement in activism—particularly women's rights. March on, sister!
Photo Credit: INF